As identified in A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service, the Housing Agency will be a major partner with my Department for successful implementation. A number of meetings have been held with the Housing Agency and work is ongoing to develop a Memorandum of Understanding and an action plan.
Another key stakeholder in the implementation of the White Paper will be the Local Authorities. Meetings have begun with the sector with engagement with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Local Government (LGMA). The CCMA is currently working on developing an allocation key for phase two accommodation. The purpose of the allocation key will determine in advance the relative proportion of international protection applicants to be accommodated in each Local Authority area and will take account of applicant needs, population density, housing need and availability of relevant public services in each county. The development of this allocation key is a high priority for the early stage of the project. It is understood that the CCMA will consider and agree the allocation key later this month.
